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Umar Nurmagomedov recently stated that the UFC made deliberate efforts to persuade Islam Makhachev to move up to the welterweight division.
About a month ago, UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell visited Dagestan to meet Makhachev. According to Nurmagomedov, during the visit, Campbell acted as a representative, advocating for the former UFC lightweight champion's transition to welterweight. As a result, Ilia Topuria could potentially become the face of the 155-pound division.
While speaking in a recent video on Adam Zubayraev's YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov claimed:
"[Hunter Campbell] came to see Islam [Makhachev]... They wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155 [pounds weight class]. Not because Islam wants to move up, but because they want [Topuria] to be the champ there. They believe [Topuria] can really sell fights."
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Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below (29:09):
After vacating the UFC lightweight title, Makhachev is now linked with a potential fight against welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
When Umar Nurmagomedov drew comparisons between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria
Since becoming the UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria desired a fight against Islam Makhachev. However, Umar Nurmagomedov was not pleased with the matchup.
In an interview with Submission Radio last year, Nurmagomedov made comparisons between Makhachev and 'El Matador', saying:
"[Topuria] just became champion. You have to defend your title a couple [of] times. Even one time. Please, stay focused on your division. [Topuria has] Movsar [Evloev], Aljamain Sterling on the way. He has right now Max Holloway... This game [has] levels. They have levels, and he's not on Islam [Makhachev's] level. He's too small."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below (12:43):
Topuria has since successfully defended his UFC featherweight title against Max Holloway before moving to the lightweight division. He is now scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound championship at the headliner bout of UFC 317 on June 28.
